- #1
relativitydude
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I am taking General Chemistry right now, what parts of chemistry are important in the last two years of a physics BS degree?
What concepts of General Chemistry are important in Physics?
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the relevance of General Chemistry concepts to the latter part of a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics. Participants explore which chemistry topics may be beneficial or applicable in physics studies, touching on both theoretical and practical aspects.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that fundamental chemistry is essentially pure physics, particularly quantum mechanics, questioning the necessity of General Chemistry courses in physics curricula.
- One participant argues that specific topics like Lewis structures and chemical reactions are not useful for physics students, while acknowledging that electron configurations may be relevant in atomic physics courses.
- Another participant mentions that General Chemistry courses may serve more as a challenge to differentiate between stronger and weaker students rather than providing direct information applicable to physics.
- Some participants highlight the importance of thermodynamics, molecular structure, and solid-state physics as relevant chemistry topics for physics studies.
- A participant expresses frustration with their performance in General Chemistry, particularly in areas like naming and balancing chemical reactions, and seeks resources for improvement.
- There are suggestions for further study in Physical Chemistry and related areas, as well as recommendations for online resources and forums for additional support.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the importance of General Chemistry for physics students. While some argue that certain topics are irrelevant, others believe that specific areas, particularly those related to thermodynamics and quantum chemistry, are valuable.
Contextual Notes
Participants express varying opinions on the utility of different chemistry topics, indicating a lack of agreement on what is essential for physics studies. The discussion reflects personal experiences and subjective interpretations of course relevance.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be useful for physics students considering the relevance of their chemistry coursework, as well as those seeking to understand the intersection of chemistry and physics in their studies.
- #2
dextercioby
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relativitydude said:
Hopefully I'm not offending our chemists on the forums,but the unique answer is:NONE.Moreover,fundamental chemistry is pure physics (quantum mechanics to be exact).I've always wondered myself why they teach a semester of General Chemistry at the phyiscs schools.Probably they want to show us that quantum mechanics and mathematics are useful for other domains as well.
Daniel.
- #3
relativitydude
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Stuff like lewis structures, electron configurations, geometry, chemical reactions, etc have no future use for me?
- #4
dextercioby
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relativitydude said:
1.Lewis structure:not a chance.
2.Electron configurations:yep,u'll discuss them in the atom phyiscs course,bu it's good to know them in advance.
3.Geometry of molecules:no.Maybe a course (if u have) on symmetries will discuss symmetry groups for crystals and probably molecules.But again,i stress that the teacher will assume no knowledge whatsoever and he should take it from zero.
4.Chemical reactions:not a chance.
Daniel.
- #5
derekmohammed
- 105
- 0
Apperanty Chem 201/203 (General Chem) are courses not ment to inform but are ment to challenge students. It is ment to separate the strong students and the weaker students. This is what my prof says anyway...
- #6
relativitydude
- 70
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So I am taking chemistry for a general science information?
- #7
spacetime
- 119
- 2
chemistry in physics
I've just taken a general chemistry course and the topics important for physics seem to be thermodynamics, the molecular structure and the structure of solids. We had a lot of quantum chemistry and that will certainly be useful in physics courses.
spacetime
www.geocities.com/physics_all/
I've just taken a general chemistry course and the topics important for physics seem to be thermodynamics, the molecular structure and the structure of solids. We had a lot of quantum chemistry and that will certainly be useful in physics courses.
spacetime
www.geocities.com/physics_all/
- #8
dextercioby
Science Advisor
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relativitydude said:
Apparently so.Dont't worry,if u're having a good thermo teacher,a good teacher on solid state and a good one on atom and molecule physics,everything's going to be just fine...
I wouldn't worry,if i were u.I'd just pass the damn exam,without stressing my nervs too much.Daniel.
- #9
relativitydude
- 70
- 0
I enjoyed chemistry one, it was enlightening. I learned a lot.
I already took the final and bombed it. Really bombed it bad. Just by pure bad luck, the test of twelve questions was on my worst areas. I was hoping for physics type questions (thermodynamics, light questions, etc) I couldve gotten a B+ if I didnt screw up, now a C+ and possibly a B- if I am lucky.
My areas that I am horrible are at naming and determing the types of chemical reactions. It all clouds up in my mind. It didnt help I started to freak out and started to make tons of silly mistakes (balancing, etc)
Do you know of any sources where I can be helped in those areas?
I already took the final and bombed it. Really bombed it bad. Just by pure bad luck, the test of twelve questions was on my worst areas. I was hoping for physics type questions (thermodynamics, light questions, etc) I couldve gotten a B+ if I didnt screw up, now a C+ and possibly a B- if I am lucky.
My areas that I am horrible are at naming and determing the types of chemical reactions. It all clouds up in my mind. It didnt help I started to freak out and started to make tons of silly mistakes (balancing, etc)
Do you know of any sources where I can be helped in those areas?
- #10
Astronuc
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Courses in Physical Chemistry and related areas would seem appropriate. I would think that General Chemistry would be a course taken during the first two years of a baccalaureate program in Physics or other science.
Physicists and chemists usually specialize in specific areas, so look for courses in the area of most interest to you.
As for resources, there is the Chemistry forum here, and many websites dedicated to particular areas within chemistry.
Also check out - Royal Society of Chemistry's - journal Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
And the http://www.chemistry.org/portal/a/c/s/1/home.html should have something equivalent.
Registration or membership may be required by both organizations for access to the really useful material, but students usually get a substantial discount.
Also check out Chemweb.com, which gives a good overview of different areas in chemistry.
Physicists and chemists usually specialize in specific areas, so look for courses in the area of most interest to you.
As for resources, there is the Chemistry forum here, and many websites dedicated to particular areas within chemistry.
Also check out - Royal Society of Chemistry's - journal Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics
And the http://www.chemistry.org/portal/a/c/s/1/home.html should have something equivalent.
Registration or membership may be required by both organizations for access to the really useful material, but students usually get a substantial discount.
Also check out Chemweb.com, which gives a good overview of different areas in chemistry.
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